Preparing Your Home for a Disaster: Tips and Checklist

As I advise clients, unfortunately, a disaster can literally strike at any moment, leaving homeowners with little time to prepare. Fortunately, this damage can be mitigated by taking simple, common sense steps ahead of time, which will help minimize damage to your home. Below are some tips and a checklist for preparing your home for a disaster.

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Before you begin preparing your home for a disaster, it's essential to have a family emergency plan in place. Your emergency plan should include important contact information for family members, emergency services, and other relevant organizations.

You'll also need to have a designated meeting place for family members in case you get separated during a disaster. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan, and keep a copy of it in an easily accessible location.

2. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Food, water and emergency supplies are key in order to survive any disaster. At a bare minimum, you need at least a three day supply You should have at least a three-day supply of food and water for everyone in your household.

First aid supplies, flashlights and a battery powered radio are absolute essentials that every one should have.

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If possible, a generator is an excellent purchase and can be used to secure your home during a prolonged blackout.

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3. Secure Your Home

Your home is only as safe as your reinforcements.

Regular searching your home for potential hazards and initiating repairs is key.

A few examples:

• Secure loose roof tiles or shingles, trim trees or branches that could fall on your home 
• Secure and tie outdoor furniture or objects that could be blown around during high winds.

4. Prepare Your Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water may be shut off during a time of disaster. It is key to prepare for this.

It is essential to:

• Know where your utility shut-off valves are located and how to turn them off.
• Consider purchasing a gas shut-off valve, which can automatically shut off your gas supply in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.

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5. Create a Home Inventory

A home inventory is an essential list of your most valuable possessions and helps to create a record for any damage.u

It is important to take photos or videos of your home and belongings and keep them in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or in the cloud.

Important legal and citizen documents documents, such as insurance policies and birth certificates, should be stored in a safe place where they can be easily accessed.

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Checklist:

• Create a family emergency plan
• Stock up on emergency supplies
• Secure your home
• Prepare your utilities
• Create a home inventory

Preparing your home for a disaster can help you stay safe and minimize damage to your home. Create a family emergency plan, stock up on emergency supplies, secure your home, prepare your utilities, and create a home inventory. By taking these steps, you can be better prepared for a disaster and increase your chances of staying safe.

Be safe out there